Gorge Waterway Initiative

Welcome to the Gorge Waterway Initiative!

The mission of the GWI is to protect, enhance and restore the health of the Gorge Waterway, Portage Inlet, their watersheds and communities, for the enjoyment and well-being of present and future generations.

Gorge Waterway Nature House

Visit the GWI display and learn more about the Gorge Waterway and its ecosystems at the family-friendly Nature House in Esquimalt Gorge Park.

Take Birds Under Your Wing!

2017 marked the 100th anniversary of Canada enacting the Migratory Bird Convention Act. Take action on behalf of the birds by signing the pledge to help conserve birds. Learn more about 100 years of bird conservation in Canada.

Urban Sanctuary Project

GWI, ELSI, the Robert Bateman Centre and other regional conservation partners collaborated to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Convention Act, enacted by Canada in 1917. The Project goals are to improve stewardship of the upland and marine ecosystems that support birds and other wildlife in our urban centres, and to raise awareness of the three sanctuaries in the CRD:

Point Ellice Shoreline Restoration: 2007 - 2014

Craigflower Bridge Interpretive Signs - 2014

The GWI worked with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and staff from View Royal and Saanich to design and install interpretive signs on the new Craigflower Bridge. Read more >>

What is the GWI?

The Gorge Waterway Initiative is a collaborative, community-driven group of organizations concerned with protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural features of the Gorge Waterway, Portage Inlet and the surrounding watersheds.